A&S 2000: Introduction to Study Abroad
Class Syllabus for Fall 2013
October 14 through December 6, 2013
Math Sciences 422
Facilitator:
Jeff Simpson, Director
Study Abroad Office, 242 Student Union
Office: (405) 744-8540 / E-mail: [email protected]
Description:
This course is designed to help you develop skills and perspectives to enable you to get the
most out of your international experience. In addition, it will provide you with information
about the study abroad process and the practical aspects of studying abroad. It will not teach
you how to live in a specific host country, but it will provide you with the resources
necessary to maximize your learning experience both during your time abroad and when you
return home. You will do research to tailor this class experience to fit your individual needs
in relation to a chosen host culture. General intercultural communication techniques, vital in
preparing you for the different views, values, and customs you may encounter will be
integrated into class discussion. The class is organized around cross cultural exercises, class
discussion, and guest speakers.
Readings (provided in class as needed):
Miner, H. (1956). “The Body Ritual among the Nacirema,”
“L. Robert Kohls, Ph.D., Why Do Americans Act Like That?” Foundation for Global
Community Newsletter, October 1989.
Study Abroad Workbook (to be completed during the course)
Suggested Readings and Resources:
Hess, J.D. (1997) Studying Abroad/Learning Abroad: An Abridged Edition of the Whole
World Guide to Cultural Learning (Rev. ed.).Yarmouth, ME: Intercultural Press
David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies. (1995). Citizen Diplomacy:
Responding to Questions about America. Brigham Young University, USA
Wagner, K., and Magistrale (1995) Writing across Culture: An Introduction to Study Abroad
and the Writing Process. New York: Peter Lang Publishing Inc.
Armitage, S. (1996) Teaching American Values at Home and Abroad
http://www.studyabroad.com
http://iiepassport.org
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html
http://travel.state.gov/
Course Requirements:
Class Participation (7 weeks x 2 pts/wk)
Initial Paper - Expectations
Group Movie Presentation
Peer Developed Project
International Student Interview
International News Story
Workbook Completion
Final Reflection Paper - Evaluation
14 points
5 points
5 points
5 points
15 points
1 point
40 points
15 points
100 Total Possible Points
Class Participation – Participation in class discussion is an important and vital part of this
course. Discussing and processing the weekly topics, understanding and contributing various
points of view mark the beginning of your study abroad experience.
Initial Paper – This paper should answer/address the following questions in light of the
introduction to the course and a thorough reading of the syllabus: What are your
expectations of this class? What are your personal goals for your time abroad? Given what
you have read in the syllabus, how do you hope the course will assist you in achieving those
goals? In what areas do you feel confident about your international experience? What
apprehensions do you have? (minimum of 1 full page, 12 point Times New Roman font,
double spaced, 1” margins)
Group Movie Presentation – The class will be divided into three or four groups. Each
group will be randomly assigned a film to watch and present a 15 minute informal
presentation to the class on how the film demonstrates some element of encountering
another culture and relates to the discussion topics of the class. Several of these films are
familiar movies so the presentation is not a report on the movie’s story but a critical look at
how the film depicts topics discussed in class. It is expected that at least one clip from the
film will be shown as an example during the presentation.
Peer Developed Project – As a class, one learning goal will be identified as important to a
majority of the members of the class. This learning goal will then be translated by the class
members into an assignment aimed at producing the learning outcome desired. This may be
individual work, team work, or a combination of activities aimed at the desired goal. As this
assignment is formulated by the class, it will be different each semester as best fits the
personalities of the class and the learning goal. The facilitator will guide the process and sign
off on the final class proposal.
International Student Interview – Additional instructions to be given in class. For this
assignment you will need to seek out an international student from the country you have
identified as your host for your time abroad. If you have not yet identified a student from
your host country, find a student from a nearby country or similar culture. The Study
Abroad/ NSE Office can help you locate a student if necessary. Be sure to inform the
student about your assignment and the nature of the questions you will ask before you ask
him or her to commit to the interview. You will also need a cultural artifact to share with
the class representing your interviewees host country.
International News Story – Each Tuesday a student (or students depending on class size)
will be assigned to come to class with an interesting news story from outside the United
States. This may be from your chosen host country or another. On your assigned Tuesday,
you will provide the class with a summary of the event or story, the source of your item, why
you thought it was worth sharing, and at least one question for the class to discuss related to
your news item.
Workbook – The workbook is your guide to safe and practical living abroad. The purpose
of this assignment is to help you prepare for making responsible decisions in your new
environment in regard to finances, health, personal security, etc. Note the due dates of each
section in the course schedule. Include your name and the workbook section on each
assignment. You will be graded on how useful the information you gather will be to you. Thus, your
answers in each section should be complete and comprehensive with an eye to how each section will personally
impact your study abroad experience.
Reflection Paper – This paper should answer/address the following questions in light of
each of the exercises/assignments you have completed for your coursework. What were the
most important ideas and concepts you encountered in this course? How will you apply
them during your time abroad? What changes in your perspective on yourself, your host
country, and the United States have taken place? How and why has this occurred? What do
you feel you still have left to learn before you go abroad? How will you go about learning
more in that area(s)? What do you anticipate that you will only be able to learn by being in
your host culture? What will you do to prepare yourself for feelings of discomfort so that
you can work through them and continue your growth? (minimum of 2 full pages, 12 point
Times New Roman font, double spaced, 1” margins)
Course Schedule:
Week 1
1) October 15
2) October 17
Syllabus Review and Introductions?
Peer Developed Project discussion and decision
Facilitator example of the International News Story assignment
Group Movie Assignments
Administrative Issues – the mechanics of study abroad
………………………………………………………………………………………
Week 2
3) October 22
International News Story 1
Cultural learning - How we perceive ourselves and others. How
our personal and cultural “filters” affect how we view the world.
Due: Initial Paper (5 points)
4) October 24
Returned study abroad student panel
Due: 3x5 note card with at least 3 questions for the panel
Read for next class: “Body Ritual among the Nacirema”
…………………………………………………………………………….............
Week 3
5) October 29
International News Story 2
Defining Cultural Encounters
Explore how other cultures might view the U.S.
Class Discussion: “Body Ritual among the Nacirema”
Due: Workbook I: Health Issues (15 points)
6) October 31
Values and How They Are Formed
Read for next class: “Why Do Americans Act Like That?”
…………………………………………………………………………………….
Week 4
7) November 5
International News Story 3
American Values/Our Values
Group 1 Movie Presentation
Class Discussion: “Why Do Americans Act Like That?”
Option 1 Due: Workbook II & III: Safety & Legal Issues and
Immigration Regulations (10 points)
8) November 7
Non-verbal Communication – body language
Group 2 Movie Presentation
We will discuss the different ways to communicate without speaking
and explore the effect non-verbal communication might have on our
relationships.
Option 2 Due: Workbook II & III: Safety & Legal Issues and
Immigration Regulations (10 points)
…..……………………………………………………………….
Week 5
9) November 12
International News Story 4
Citizen Diplomacy: Answering Tough Questions as an American
Abroad.
Due: Response to assigned Citizen Diplomacy Question
10) November 14
Viewing US Culture from an International Perspective
International student panel
Due: 3x5 note card with at least 3 questions for the panel
Due: Workbook IV & V: Knowledge of Your Host-country and
Political Issues (10 pts)
…………………………………………………………………
Week 6
11) November 19
International News Story 5
Cross Cultural Communication – time and space
Group 3 Movie Presentation
Due: Peer Developed Project
12) November 21
International Student Interview Roundtable Discussion
Due: Interview Write Up (15 points)
………………………………………………………………….
Week 7
13) November 26
International News Story 6
Cultural Adjustment to your Host Culture & Upon Re-entry
Group 4 Movie Presentation
Become aware of the adjustment cycle for both entering your
host country and later your home country
14) November 28
Thanksgiving Break – No Class
…………………………………………………………………….
Week 8
15) December 3
International News Story 7
Setting the Stage
Develop personal goals for your time abroad
Course evaluation
Due: Workbook VI, VII, & VIII: Financial, Housing, & Misc.
Issues (5 pts)
16) December 5
No class meeting.
Due: Final Reflection Paper (15 points)
Turn in to Study Abroad/NSE Office or e-mail
to [email protected] by 5:00 p.m.
Notes:
The facilitator reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus during the course of the semester
as needed to meet the learning goals of this class. Any changes will be discussed during class periods
and will be made with advanced notice if deadlines or other critical components are affected.
Reminder: This course falls under the same academic standards as any class taught on the OSU
campus. Here is a link to the syllabus attachment for your review:
http://academicaffairs.okstate.edu/images/amanda/fall%202013%20syllabus%20final.pdf